Owning a small apartment doesn’t mean you can’t flaunt your style. Similar to decorating a large space, a tiny living space also simply requires the ingenuity of design and a clever eye for what will work and what won’t.
We promise, maximizing space in a small apartment isn’t as challenging as it may seem. With thoughtful furnishings, organizational tricks, and the right color palette, you can curate an interior that is small in size but big in style. So, let’s get started!
Get the Clutter out
A free decor idea—but also arguably the most effective.
Nothing adds to the claustrophobic feel of small apartments like clutter does. The solution? Grab baskets and sort everything into piles of keep, toss, and donate.
Keep the things you really need and use. For items that are only occasionally used, perhaps something like camping gear, store them away in hidden storage compartments.
Toss out things that no longer work or aren’t usable in any way. Note: Try recycling as much as possible.
Donate items that are still in good condition but aren’t needed. You can also sell them online if you want to boost your budget.
Remember, the fewer items you have, the larger the apartment feels.
Utilize Vertical Space
The walls of your small apartment offer a world of possibilities to maximize space, be it the bedroom, living room, or even the kitchen and bathroom.
The key is to treat vertical space as extra square footage. Install floating shelves, bookshelves, vertical workstations, mirrors, or whatever fits the area. Then, utilize this additional space to store essentials, like pots, pans, and other crockery (in the kitchen), towels and toiletries (in the bathroom), jewelry and bags (in the bedroom), and books, keys, or pictures (in the living room). You can also take this as an opportunity to enhance the decor. And if you’re feeling way too adventurous, you can use essentials, like surfboards, sports equipment, or fishing gear, to double as decor on the walls.
Opt for a Light Color Scheme
Lighter colors, such as beige, white, and grey, reflect more light and create the illusion of more square footage. Now, we don’t mean you ditch bright (or dark) colors entirely. A good rule of thumb is to follow the 60-30-10 rule. Opt for a light shade as the primary color, a richer shade as the secondary color, and a bold hue for the accent color.
Try keeping attention-demanding elements, like flooring, wall color, and furniture light. Utilize soft elements, like cushions, rugs, and artwork, to introduce a splash of color.
Bonus: You can easily change the soft furnishings (depending on the season/festivities) to switch up the vibe without spending too much.
Incorporate Multipurpose Furniture
Dual-purpose furniture saves a ton of space, all without compromising on functionality.
Apart from basic pieces like a sofa bed or lift-top tables, there are tons of creative options on the market. Ottomans with storage, a lamp with an attached table, a loft with a workspace, a table that doubles as a mirror, and so much more! The best part? You can find multipurpose furniture at discounted rates on garage sales, online marketplaces, and thrift shops. In fact, efficiently using what you already have can also go a long way in maximizing space in a small apartment. For example, use an old chair to create a stunning, vintage nightstand. Or, use windowsills to double as shelves. It’s all about your creativity.
Carve out Zones
If you’re living in a studio apartment (or a loft apartment), the secret to making your tiny flat feel larger is to divide it into zones. This defines the area better, making it feel less cramped.
For loft apartments, partitions are an amazing concept. A glass wall, a see-through bookshelf, a room divider, or art can be used to serve the purpose. When maximizing space in a studio apartment, we’d suggest defining the zones with strategic furniture placement, different lighting levels, and rugs.
Feature an Entryway Bench
Small apartments are notorious for having awkward entryways. Adding a sleek bench can instantly transform the area into a functional (and inviting space). Place a few baskets underneath to store shoes and add hooks over the wall to hang jackets. Don’t forget to add a rug and a planter to introduce a homely feel.
The trick to maximizing space in a small apartment is to utilize every corner available—even if it’s a weird nook or an empty windowsill.
Leverage the Use of Reflective Items
Tied closely to the impact created by light color hues, reflective items reflect more light and make the space feel brighter and bigger. To maximize this effect, interior designers suggest positioning mirrors strategically. Could be opposite a window or near a light source, where the mirror receives and reflects the maximum light available. Bonus: Mirrors also enhance the visual aesthetics of a space and, if positioned correctly, reflect the great outdoors.
Another smarter tip to do the trick is to use reflective decor items wherever possible. A reflective mirror tray, for example, to place your scented candles, is one great way to do so. An acrylic wall clock with a mirror effect creates the same impact. Such decor pieces offer functionality, aesthetics, and space maximization, altogether!
Combine Appliances Where You Can
Appliances take up a ton of shelf space (and also square footage when it comes to bulky items, like a dishwasher). What’s the solution? Maximize space in your small apartment by combining appliances where you can.
For example, opt for an in-sink dishwasher instead of a traditional one. This smart upgrade saves extra time and uses less energy . And, you can use the sink as normal when the dishwasher is not in use!
The same applies to cooking appliances. Small homeowners would be better off with a single toaster oven (or air fryer) instead of an instant pot or conventional oven.
Incorporate Smart Storage Solutions
An apartment short of square footage can be challenging when it comes to storage. But with the right frame of mind and a bit of creativity, you can easily maximize space.
Here are some clever tips to get you started (we’re sure you can think of plenty more ways to maximize storage in a small apartment!).
- Switch to slim hangers.
- Utilize wall space in the closet.
- Hide clutter in baskets (bonus: they also add a textural element).
- Hang cleaning items on a wall in the laundry room.
- Install an over-the-door storage rack on the pantry door.
- Install a tiered shower caddy.
- Bring in risers to hold nonperishable goods.
- Add a lazy Susan turntable.
- Install two parallel rails in the closet to double hanging space.
- Store shoes in an over-the-door rack.
- Roll in a tiered cart in the bathroom and kitchen.
Rent a Storage Unit
A worthwhile investment for homeowners hunting tips to maximize space in small apartments.
Apart from essentials (that will find their home in the smart storage solutions above), there’s still a lot to deal with. Seasonal clothes, recreational items, holiday decorations, camping gear, and whatnot!
If you can store everything in your overhead cabinets, great! Look for ways to make efficient use of every inch available up there. If not, consider renting a self-service or full-service storage unit. You’ll be surprised at how much space will be freed up—and how spacious your tiny apartment will instantly feel!
Go for an Island over a Dining Table
The one piece of furniture small homeowners agonize over is a dining table, but it’s actually one that needs to be skipped entirely. A dining table takes up unnecessary space and isn’t used as often as you think it probably will.
Instead, opt for a kitchen island with a folding leaf. Add two foldable stools that can be stored in a closet. You will now have a sleek eating space that can also used for food prep at meal times.
Make use of Optical Illusions
One of our favorite decor ideas for a small space is tricking the eye into the illusion of more square footage. Certain optical illusions can help achieve this effect.
For example, using horizontal stripes to decorate the interior. They guide the eye sideways—and create the illusion of a wider space. Interior designers especially love this idea for small bathrooms, where horizontally striped tiles help the room look bigger than it is. You can also use patterned wallpaper for a similar effect.
Similarly, hanging window treatments (especially curtains) right from the ceiling down to the floor guides the eye upwards—ultimately making the room appear taller. Low-slung furniture, tall doors, and long mirrors can help, too.
Think Smart
You don’t always have to spend extra bucks to increase storage space or to maximize square footage. Try thinking out of the box. Implement smart techniques. For example, roll towels instead of folding them. Utilize under-bed storage. Float the furniture. Go for a capsule wardrobe. Use cloud storage. Maximize light.
You see, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Even the most basic changes can make the biggest impact.
Use a Dresser as a Nightstand
Adding more furniture to an already small bedroom can increase the cramped feel—and also disrupt traffic flow. Repurpose a dresser as a nightstand for a unique small apartment decor idea that adds both design and storage. Use the drawer closest to your bed to store nighttime essentials and allow the rest to function as a traditional dresser. Add a lamp and artwork to finish the look.
Install Wall Hooks in Strategic Places
Wall hooks are the cheapest way to maximize space in a small apartment. And you can use them in every room!
Some of our favorite ideas are to use hooks to showcase (and organize)—
- Scarves, hats, and belts
- Necklaces and jewellery
- Pots and pans
- Ironing board
- Keys
- Handbags
- Fresh towels
- Planters
Now It’s Your Turn…
Size has nothing to do with style. Whether you live in the smallest studio apartment or a 2-bedroom flat—it all comes down to the right design choices. And we believe, the above 15 tips to maximize space in a small apartment give you a great place to start.
Always remember, a small living room ≠ compromising on style!
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